The Federal Government would host a high level policy and private sector Trade and Investment Facilitation forum with key partners such as the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), and the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The discussion at the forum, according to Okechukwu Enelemah, the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, focuses on competitive investment strategy and attracting better business friendly environment, while also boosting Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment through matchmaking regional, continental and global businesses.
The event which is to be co-hosted by Nigeria and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in partnership with the WTO Friends of Investment Facilitation for Development (FIFD).
Members of FIFD coalition are Nigeria, Argentina, China, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Canada, the European Union, Qatar
Enelemah at a Press conference on Tuesday in Abuja said, “The Vice-president Yemi Osibajo is expected to open the event. And dignitaries such as the WTO DG Roberto Azevedo; Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Mukhisa Kituyi, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga, Executive Director of the International Trade Center (ITC) Arancha Gonzalez, CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of ECOWAS Commission Marcel Alain de Souza will be in attendance”
He pointed out that, “Major world economies and over 30 African country representatives will converge in Abuja on November 2nd and 3rd for the High Level Policy and Private Sector Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Forum taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of November in Abuja”
Enelemah said the event would also attract Ministers and Senior Trade and Investment officials from over 30 African countries.
According to him, Chief Executive Officers and Presidents of Nigerian and Foreign companies – some include Procter and Gamble, Huawei, General Electric, Vodacom, would have opportunities of match-making and creating more business friendly environment for themselves.
“This event is a significant step in the drive towards facilitating trade and investment not only for Nigeria, but sub-regionally and on the African Continent. Nigerian and African economies need to be connected, integrated and diversified and facilitating investment and trade will be key to achieving these objectives,” Enelemah said.
Recall the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) forecasted that developing countries will need an additional $2.5 trillion annually in foreign and domestic investment to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The World Bank estimates that Africa’s total infrastructure investment requirements at roughly $120-150 billion per annum and estimates the gap between infrastructure investment requirements and available financial resources at about $60-80 billion per annum.
“The case for trade and investment facilitation can therefore, not be overemphasized. I reiterate that this government is committed to investment facilitation, by creating a more investment friendly business climate and making it easier for both domestic and foreign investors to invest,” Enelemah noted.
